Pilani Bubu

Immerse yourself into the intriguing world of ‘Indelible Storyteller’- Pilani Bubu (www.pilanibubu.com) , a singer-songwriter, TV presenter, founder & director of the ‘Folklore Festival’ (https://folklore.community/) . Pilani has graced the global stage, captivating audiences with her enchanting melodies, astonishing vibrato and meaningful lyrics. Her music is a vibrant fusion of jazz, folk, soul, interweaved with poetry and spoken word. On various collaborations and album narratives, she also explores Nu-RnB & dance music fused with electronic sounds, showcasing her versatile artistry. She shines through with purposeful spunk, a pure & angelic voice with a great sense of clarity & articulation that heals & resonates with deep intentionality.

Not including her early childhood musical career from the age of 9 singing in school choirs, playing in string ensembles and orchestras well into her corporate career, Pilani has had a prolific solo-music career spanning 14 Years since quitting corporate to pursue her dreams. She has independently produced and released 7 albums, whose storytelling narratives are in a league of their own. Each album takes listeners on an extraordinary & original journey through her own lived experience. From the heartfelt melodies of ‘Journey of a Heart (2012)’ to the empowering funky rhythms of ‘Warrior of Light (2016)’, and the nostalgic African folk tales of ‘Folklore Chapter 1 (2019). Even with the chaos of a global pandemic, Pilani's unyielding creative spirit, she released ‘Lockdown Lovestory (2022)’ a remarkable & cathartic album that captured the essence of love amidst uncertain times, providing a space for reflection and reconciliation for her fans. Followed by her collaborative album ‘Konke (2023)’ with Kenyan producer ‘AfroNautiq’, with remixes by Wanlov The Kubolor (Ghana/Romania), EMbeats (Ghana), Abraham Moughrabi (UK), which explores her own artist journey & creative pursuit & how these affect her ‘inner world’ In ‘Folklore Chapter 2:Ekuseni (2023)’ she delves even deeper into ancient wisdom, sharing a personal story of her ancestors, their rituals, her rites, their gifts, her inheritances, and the relationship there between. Conjuring melodies that transport listeners

to the ethereal realms of African spirituality.

Her latest offering Nay’Indaba, is a sonic odyssey reflecting on South Africa’s history and contemplating 30 years of Freedom through the prism of strong women. Over the course of the album's eight tracks, it explores in depth South Africa's complex history and social ills, whilst sharing a positive story of the ongoing struggle against inequality, youth unemployment and poverty. Rooted in the magnetic atmosphere and memories of this country, the result is a musicality that is both psychedelic and ferocious. The album is a collaboration with the French trans-oriental jazz-rock band; Marthe.

Pilani's commendable musicality has garnered her recognition, including the prestigious accolade of Best African Adult Contemporary Album at the South African Music Awards in 2020 for "Folklore Chapter 1." She continues to push boundaries and expand her artistic endeavours, recently launching the Folklore Festival in 2022 — a magnificent celebration of heritage, culture and African storytelling held in Johannesburg.